Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
For many homeowners, renovations are an ongoing reality. For example, in 2024 a surprising 69% of Americans said they remodeled an interior room that year, according to Statista. From new paint colors to new flooring, renovating some or part of the home can make a big difference.
Choosing what you put underfoot should be top of mind in any home remodel. The flooring in your space is not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing, but functional and budget-friendly as well.
If laminate, luxury vinyl planking (LVP) or wood flooring is something you're considering, you should know the pros and cons of each. Before you start comparing stains or finishes, here are a few things to consider.
Overall look and feel
The look and feel of your flooring is important. Your choice will be something you see every day for years to come, so you want to love what you see!
Consider how you want your space to look. Many people love the way wood flooring looks, which explains why so many other flooring materials are made to look like wood. Pooja Khanna Tyagi for Architectural Digest says, "[Wood] has a classic appeal which never goes out of style."
If real wood isn't in the budget, there are impressive alternatives made to look identical. Some LVP and laminate products make it difficult to differentiate without pulling out a magnifying glass and inspecting the floor.
Meeting with a flooring expert can help turn your dream home into a reality. The pros at Giant Carpet One know how flooring can set the tone and feeling of a room and home. Head to your local store today to see how you can make your Pinterest-board vision come to life.
Budget and long-term cost
Whether you're concerned about the up-front price or the cost effectiveness over the years, your budget should be one of your key considerations.
Hardwood floors sit at the higher end of the price scale. Materials and professional installation are inherently more expensive. According to Dalia Ramirez for NerdWallet, hardwood floors cost anywhere from $6-$25 per square foot with installation costs. The type of wood you choose as well as how large your space is can max out your flooring budget quickly.
LVP and laminate are more budget-friendly up front. LVP is approximately $4-$13 per square foot with labor costs, Allie Ogletree for Forbes says. Costs can vary depending on the quality of the planking and the style chosen. Ogletree explains that luxury vinyl flooring contains inlaid color granules for a more realistic look, and that will typically increase the price.
Laminate is approximately $3-$13 per square foot with installation costs, according to NerdWallet. The quality laminate you choose and how big your room is will determine final costs. It's important to consider how long you'll have the laminate flooring and if it will hold up to your lifestyle over the years. If you end up replacing your flooring in a few years, it may not be as cost-efficient as other options.
Durability and wear-and-tear
Your lifestyle, the number of people living in the home, and whether you have pets are all things to consider when you choose your flooring. Different types of flooring are better suited for certain circumstances.
Wood flooring is susceptible to dents, scratches, and water damage, according to Lee Wallender for the Spruce. If you live in a high-humidity area or plan to lay new flooring in your bathrooms or basement, wood flooring may not be the best option. However, wood flooring can be resurfaced, so it can provide durability throughout the years.
If you've got a rough-and-tumble kind of household, LVP may be a good option. It is known for its durability and scratch resistance. It's also water-resistant or waterproof, depending on the type you purchase. Wallender explains that it's a great option for those with kids, pets, and high-humidity spaces.
Laminate flooring can be durable, but sometimes it is not waterproof. Because of that, it also has specific cleaning limitations. Wallender says wet mops can ruin the flooring, so using a damp mop or a Swiffer-style mop is necessary. If you or your kids are prone to spills, laminate may not be the best option for you.
In the past couple of years, new types of water-resistant and even waterproof laminate flooring have become available. So if you want laminate but are concerned about using it in a kitchen or bath, be sure to check out these new options.
5 hottest flooring trends of 2026
If you're investing in thoughtful renovations or a fresh new build, you know your base layer — flooring — is both a functional necessity and a design centerpiece that sets the tone for every room. This year, interior designers and industry experts point to a range of materials, colors and formats that will define 2026.Moisture
Where you're installing your flooring should be one of your top considerations when you choose your flooring. Even in Utah's dry environment, spaces like bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms will naturally have more moisture in the air, which can be a problem for different flooring types.
One of LVP's biggest advantages is that most types are fully waterproof. That makes it a solid choice for bathrooms, basements and mudrooms where humidity and tracked-in water are common. Unlike wood or traditional laminate, LVP won't swell or warp when exposed to water.
Find your favorite flooring locally
Overall, each flooring type has its pros and cons. What you value most will ultimately help you decide whether you want to go with wood, LVP or laminate.
If you need help understanding what flooring will be the best for your individual needs and space, head over to your local Giant Carpet One. Their team of pros can guide you through the process of choosing the right flooring.
To find a location near you, visit the Giant Carpet One website.
